Let's Talk!
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Let's Talk!
The next VRE online forum will start on Wednesday, June 6th at 12:00pm.
There are currently 19 questions waiting to be answered.
VRE Management:
After doing on-line forums for at leat seven years every month, this will be my last. I have been at VRE
seventeen year and had a great career here. I know I have received a lot of support from riders on the
things that we have done and you have made many suggestions on how we can improve service and
many of those have been implemented over the years. Even with my departure, the staff at VRE will
continue to work everyday to make VRE better and provide the type of service that you all demand. I will
truly miss the job. -Dale
Now on to the questions!
Roger from Burke asks:
Dale, you've done everything anyone could expect except one very important thing: there still isn't a
jumbotron on the Burke clock tower. Any word on when we may expect it?
VRE Management:
I’ll get right on that, Roger ;)
Stephen from Stafford, Viriginia asks:
Currently the 2012 operations calendar shows that there will be no VRE service on Monday December
24th. This is not considered a holiday by many employers. Will we need/be able to use Amtrak on that
day?
VRE Management:
Historically, when Christmas Eve falls on a Monday, we get very few riders so we have elected not to
operate that day. Please make plans ahead of time if you have to work that day.
Dave from Woodbridge, Va asks:
Is there a possiblity that the 300 Express could depard 10-15 minutes earlier each morning?
VRE Management:
Our access agreeemnet with CSX will not allow it.
PrettyLady from Fred asks:
Happy Retirement Dale! When would the leeland road renovation be done? Would VRE-TLC price
change when Metro increase its fares?
VRE Management:
Right now Leeland is on schedule for completion by the end of September. We will make sure the new
TLC price is posted on our website.
Dave from Woodbridge, Va asks:
Prior to 5pm at the Woodbridge Station please remember that if you cross over Rt. 1 to Occoquan Road
please only use the middle lane. The right lane is for right turns only prior to 5pm. I have seen many near
accidents because of people not following the law.
VRE Management:
Good safety tip. Thanks for sharing that with us.
Scott from FBG, VA asks:
Lorton Station: Can we please get some additional shelters on the north end of the platform? The
existing shelter provides no protection from the sun during the summer, unless a person is tresspassing
behind the shelter in the dirt. At least remove the expanded metal door on the old wheelchair lift storage
cubicle. This would double the available shade. Thank you.
VRE Management:
I will see what I can do about the door. We have plans to expand the Lorton station to a second platform
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and will see if we can add a canopy extension as well.
John from Manassas asks:
I know the Gainesville leg is still under consideration. How would that tie in with the Manassas line since
the spur to Gainesville is between Broad Run and Manassas City?
VRE Management:
The plans are still preliminary but I believe we would have trains would either originate at Gainesville or
Broad Run. Another option is that we could start trains at Gainesville then back track to Broad Run but
that would add significant time.
Jeff from Fredericksburg VA asks:
Do you expect VRE to maintain the current $5 cost of a StepUp ticket? Best wishes for your retirement - VRE Management:
Our plans is that we will stay with the $5 Step-Up but are in discussion with the Commonwealth to see if
we can lower that price.
Matt from Lorton, VA asks:
Last month, Amtrak announced that they would start checking tickets via smartphone. With the new
system, passengers will be able to print tickets or load a special bar code on their smartphone screens
for conductors to scan, and conductors will be able to keep track of passengers on board. This will
eliminate printing a ticket. Is VRE looking into this?
VRE Management:
We recently put out an RFI for mobile ticketing applications and we have six companies coming in next
week to present their ideas that could work in our ticketing structure.
David from Woodbridge, VA asks:
I'm furstrated with VRE #306 going slowly every morning, south of Franconia/Springfield when we use
the track closer to Metro, south of Alexandria and between Alex and Crystal City delaying us a few
minutes into DC, costing us an extra 20 cents on Metro, because we can't get to the L'Enfant Faregate
before 7:30. I want the train to arrive at L'Enfant by 7:27, not 7:29 or after. At the end of April, we used to
go faster and arrive earlier. Tell the engineer and dispatchers, that we cannot afford to go slow, it is
unacceptable and must stop
VRE Management:
I understand your concern but that train is arriving on time.
Gassed Out from Gainesville, VA asks:
Thanks for the great on-time service provided! VRE really makes my commute so much less stressful.
On another note though, I think many will agree that I could totally do without the discreat gas-passers
aboard the train. Yes, I know there is a crowd, so you can snicker with the comfort that we cannot detect
the owner of the fart. But, please!...have mercy on your fellow riders!!!
VRE Management:
This is the first time I have heard of this problem. Thankfully this is my last on-line forum!
Linda from Fredericksburg, VA asks:
When the train is 30 minutes late or more a Free one way ticket is given out. This ticket is basicly
worthless if a passenger purchases a monthly pass. My suggestion is to give the passenger a choice:
Free ticket or the option to have a Free Step Up ticket for use on Amtrack. The monthly pass buyer would
find the Step Ticket more beneficial because at it could be used by the passenger. I know I would feel I
received something of value. Just a suggestion.
VRE Management:
I find your suggestion to be very interesting. I have to think on it a bit.
Laurie from Burke asks:
As a rider for 12 years I want to thank you Dale for your great customer service and your efforts to
communicate with your riders. There are some things we cannot control, downed trees, flooding
conditions, inoperable engines, however your willingness to let us know what id happening made it a
much better situation. Good luck in all that you do. You will be missed!!!
VRE Management:
Thanks, Laurie. I have always stressed to the staff that communication is something we can control and
always want them to strive for excellence in that. I’ll miss all the riders like you that I have interacted with
over the years.
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Brian from Haymarket, VA asks:
Have you received any feedback about the new Train Talk notification system? To me, it seems like the
alerts are not received in as timely a manner as they did with the old system. Additionally, there's no way
to set up a vacation to suspend alerts like there was in the old system. Also, the afternoon trains arriving
at Crystal City are starting to leave their snail trail of sludge when they arrive and depart the station. This
is a problem that you said would be fixed and it seems to be coming back. Thanks.
VRE Management:
The old system had several problems getting alerts delivered in a timely manner and have seen
significant improvement with the new one. As for the vacation suspension, this is a feature we currently
do not have but have asked if they can add it in the future. As for the lavatory systems, I was under the
impression that it was fixed, but will have it looked into.
Marie from Burke asks:
No question just Kudos to the 335 conductors for helping us frazzled riders get home during the
restrictions and change in trains
VRE Management:
Thanks. We will pass it along.
Davin from Woodbridge, VA asks:
Mr. Zehner, Hope you have a happy and healthy, well deserved retirement. You've made the VRE what it
is today. VRE service is much better than what is was 9 years ago.
VRE Management:
Thanks so much, Davin. Hopefully I will see you at the Library of Congress when I get my card in a
couple of weeks. ;)
B from Burke asks:
Great job to all. When will we be getting new cars for the 324 train in the morning? The old cars are dirty,
poorly ventilated, and don't have any cushioning in the seats.
VRE Management:
We have eight new cars on order. Hopefully we can get another seven on order soon and all the legacy
cars will be replaced.
Kevin from Manassas, VA asks:
What's the status of getting improved annoucements both on the platforms and by conductors on the
trains reminding people they need to have valid tickets? I've asked about this before and management
there seemed to indiciate it was a good idea. My concern is people boarding the train in ignorance
without valid tickets (tourists, new riders) and the court costs this racks up for our state.
VRE Management:
We have added decals to the machines to remind to validate. We have added pop up boxes on the
website. We have added posters and signs at the station. We are also working on the station monitors to
display the message. We are adding to the automated announcements to the external PA speakers as
well.
Carl from Fredericksburg asks:
I want ot begin by stating that I think the train crews have done an awesome job over the past year. I
think they are much more customer-centric than what I have experienced since I started riding in 2004.
Having said that, I find that the administrative staff at VRE seems to have gotten worse since April left.
Responding to customer inquiries has significantly slowed down. Most recently, it has been more than a
month since I sent in my first "lost" note (and followed up by another one last week). On the website it
says you will respond in 2-3 business days but that no longer happens.
VRE Management:
Thanks for the compliment on the crews. I have worked hard to improve the communications. It is my
understanding that all emails are answered within the same day. However, if you have a specific
problem, please send (or re-send) your concern to [email protected].
Mike from Brooke asks:
What was the issue w/ 302 last week? First the announcement said 10 then it grew to 15, 20, 25 before
jumping to 40. People were really upset when it went to 40 minutes. It's clear no one at VRE had any
idea on how long it would be and that the train wasn't even moving. It would have given people who
needed to move towards work the option of driving should they need to.
VRE Management:
The problem was caused by a defective sensor. It is difficult to estimate how long mechanical delays are
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going to be. We always hope that it will take as little time as possible but as you witnessed, it can grow to
be a very significant delay. You know the old adage, hope for the best but expect the worst.
Roy from Gainesville, VA asks:
Are there plans to run a VRE line out to Gainesville/Haymarket?
VRE Management:
It is still a project that we are working on.
Steve from Denver, CO asks:
A congratulations on Dale's service and VRE's success.
VRE Management:
Thanks, Steve. This all started when you hired in April 1995. I have a good run but it could not have been
done without you teaching me the business for five years.
Russ from Fredericksburg asks:
I recently read that the cost of installing Wi-Fi on the VRE system was in the range of $1-1.4M. While I
recognize this is a lot of money, it is relatively small in comparison to the capital purchases that VRE has
committed to for new train cars. With so much call for Wi-Fi from your riders, is installation back in the
business plan for the future? If so, when can we expect to see this operational?
VRE Management:
The first priority is to have seats for passengers, and then amenities come after. We could tackle WiFi in
a different manner by putting it on the trains to satisfy PTC requirements, but as this government
mandate is unfunded, we still have to acquire funds for it.
Jan from Fredericksburg, Va asks:
Just a note to say "thank you" to Dale for his many years of great service to the VRE. There are very few
people like Dale that would be out in the pouring rain helping passengers get on buses when the tracks
were unsafe. We are going to miss you. Enjoy your retirement.
VRE Management:
Thanks, Jan. I ruined a good pair of shoes on September 8th.
Andrew from Fredericksburg, VA asks:
Would it be possible to add another train to fill the gap between the 301 and the 303 in the afternoons? If
I take the 300, 302 or 304 into work, another train in between the 301 and 303 to work a full day and get
home earlier.
VRE Management:
Yes, we would, too, but our agreement with the railroads won't permit it.
Rob from Rippon/VRE's #1 station asks:
this may sound silly... but, for the past two days, the seats on the 312 car i usually ride are facing the
wrong way... they should face the center exit (in my opinion).. i turned one around today to sit and got
stares from people who were surprised to see how it's done with the old-style bus seats... i know tourists
frequently adjust the seats to face each other... and maybe that's how they eventually end up the wrong
way... at the end of the day, can somebody re-set the car seats in the correct direction? it seems petty,
but i suspect that a fair number of folks agree with me...
VRE Management:
I will ask the mechanical crews to do this.
Chris from Manassas, VA asks:
With regard to yesterday's delay for a VIP motorcade, I'd like to know why the conductors were UNABLE
to tell us why the trains were not moving. All they could/would say is "The dispatcher has stopped all
trains. We don't know why." Well, knowing WHY is important! If I knew what the cause of the delay was, I
could have better decided whether it was worth it to just wait for the train or to get on Metro and have my
husband meet me in Vienna. I have the same concern with any sort of delay - the more information, the
better. And the SOONER the better.
VRE Management:
For security reasons, crews are not told beforehand about the cause of the delay. We and the crews find
out after the fact.
Annoyed in Manassas from Manassas asks:
The past three weeks the ticket machines have been broken at Broad run. You could only (today they
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were fixed) validate tickets, not purchase them. It took 3 weeks to get this issue fixed. With ticket prices
going up, I would think that maintenance would get better. Having the ticket vending machines down for
that long is just unacceptable.
VRE Management:
We apologize that it took so long to get this issues resolved. It was a communication line issue.
Ultimately we had to install a temporary line while we wait on a permanent solution.
Paul from Manassas, VA asks:
When train 330 arrives at the Manassas station (7:27am), the engineer lays on the horn, even when the
train is slowing down to stop. All of the riders are putting their fingers in their ears to keep from having
their eardrums blown out. Is there a reason for this extra horn blowing? Are the riders standing too close
to the train when it comes in? If the reason has to do with the riders, we would sure like to know what we
could do to keep him from putting us through this pain.
VRE Management:
Trains are required to blow the horns when they are coming into a station, for your safety. It’s better that
the engineer gets your attention than for someone not to notice.
Dave from Burke asks:
Dale - before you leave I think you need to have a day where you give everyone a hug. There are a lot of
grumpy, angry people on the rails recently who are being rude to each other.... I think they need a hug
and should stop and smell the roses. Best of luck in your retirement and thanks for all you've done for
VRE.
VRE Management:
Thanks, Dave. Maybe I will start randomly hugging people on a set day. Hopefully I won’t get any
harassment or assault charges from unsuspecting passengers :)
Jonathan from Haymarket, VA asks:
First, do you have any fuel consumption statistics like gallons per rider, etc.? I was talking with some
people the other day about the "green" benefits of commuter rail and we discovered that this information
is rarely released. Second, any updates regarding the Gainesville / Haymarket expansion? There are a
few of us that are really excited this may happen. Third, has there been efforts to address the failing
ticking machines? I know it's really beyond your control sometimes, however it really does confuse riders
when they can't validate or purchase tickets. VRE is awesome!
VRE Management:
I will talk to our Director of Rail Equipment to see if he can crunch those numbers. The
Gainsville/Haymarket expansion is still moving along. As for the ticket machines at Broad Run, when we
were adding another TVM on the platform extension, complications arose that brought down the whole
station. It is back up and we are still working to get that new TVM on line.
murty from manassass asks:
Happy Retirement Dale
VRE Management:
I appreciate that, Murty.
Michelle from Springfield, VA asks:
Hi there, I understand that the VRE can sometimes experience delays. VRE tries to compensate for this
by providing a free fare. However, if a train is delayed or cancelled, and we take the Metro, we still must
pay for a cab to take us to the VRE stop to retrieve our car. In this instance, I think the VRE should
reimburse folks for their cab fare (around $20 from the Springfield Metro to the VRE Rolling Road stop).
What's your opinion on that?
VRE Management:
We do not cancel the last train unless the railroad is shut down so there is the option of taking a later
train. If we do cancel the last train, we provide alternate transportation.
Bry from Broadrun asks:
Will we ever get an express train on the Manassas Line.
VRE Management:
I will continue to look to increase service on both lines and an express train may fit into those plans.
Jeff from Broad Run asks:
Will the "emergency exit" on the new section of the platform at Broad Run be turned into an exit riders
can use? I noticed a TVM recently installed and it seems many people are already using it as an exit into
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the parking lot. I recall there was an issue with leasing the adjacent property, and yet VRE seems to have
done everything expect continue the sidewalk.
VRE Management:
You are correct, for a path to be made from the new extension to the parking lot; we would have to get
permission from the owners. Also that lot is leased and since we have plans on building a garage there,
we wouldn’t want to pave it then abandon it later.
JB from Arlington asks:
Who will be taking your place?
VRE Management:
The Board is in the process of selecting my replacement.
RC from Fredericksburg,VA asks:
Appreciate the great service and appreciate the motorcycle parking in Lot D. Any plans to add mtorcycle
parking places? We seem to be a bit short sometimes and now some bikes are parking in between cars.
This is going to cause a problem someday. Motorcyles just like cars/trucks (especially especially in Lot E)
need to understand if it does not fit between the lines, then DON'T PARK THERE! Finally if you do add
MC spaces, please make a little wider. These are fine for sport bikes on center stands but a little narrow
for baggers on sidestands.
VRE Management:
Thanks for the suggestion. No plans on adding more motorcycle spots.
Elle from Fredericksburg asks:
There has been a lot of hostility on the platform and on the car, one man pushing another rider, train
(305) no conductor is present, another on Crystal City, one woman provoking another pushing and with
profanity, act of rudeness is what it is but is escalating and it will get worst, no conductors available, it is
car 876, especially on Leland road someone will get hurt. People are standing in the vestibule ready to
get off. Can something be done about it. The aggressors are newly riders of VRE. Your attention will be
greatly appreciated, we do not need any violence on VRE. thank you
VRE Management:
I will have the crews look into it.
Mike from Burke, VA asks:
I have been riding the VRE Manassas line for over 15 years. I get on at the Rolling Road station. I have
noticed over the past few years that ridership has increased significantly to the point that there are no
available seats for many of the morning trains. I routinely have to stand all the way to Crystal City. My
wife used to ride the train but because of the crowding she now takes the express bus to the Pentagon. I
am thinking of doing the same. Is there anything that can be done to alleviate the crowding on the trains,
such as adding extra cars or more trains?
VRE Management:
We know that crowding is an issue and are looking at option to add cars to some trains. We will not know
if that is possible for a month or so.
Frustrated in Fredericksburg from Fredericksburg VA asks:
WHEN will the Spotsylvania station be started... first it's land - then tracks ..what next? AND The parking
at the overfill lot is worse - people are parking so tight on the ends of the rows.. there is barely room to
get by.. and again it's full of potholes/low places that flood during rain and still no lighting.. However as
VRE goes.. excellent job on being on time.. Robert the conductor is awesome so keep up the good work.
VRE Management:
Spotsylvania County is getting the construction funds to get it done. We are also hammering out some
details with CSX to for infrastructure upgrades.
Todd from Burke, VA asks:
I ride Manassas train 324 in the morning and sit either in the quiet car or the one before it. These are old
cars and most of the seats are missing their ticket clips. This is REALLY annoying! Is there any chance
that new ticket clips can be installed, since the cars themselves apparently won't be replaced for another
2 years?
VRE Management:
New ticket clips are not likely to be installed.
Lori from Locust Grove, VA asks:
Can you advise the chance of VRE Tradding a late PM Fredericksburg Train at 8pm for those
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professionals who need to freq. work later due to business demands/client deadlines, & currently don't
have a later WDC area southbound Transit/commuter option after 7pm. I believe there is a real need for
that option. To make the current last train at 7pm from WDC/Alex Stations, commuters need to leave
their offices by shortly after 6pm in many cases in order to allow for METRO Rail/bus connections/delays
to safely make the last train home. TY for your consideration.
VRE Management:
We have many requests over the years for a later train and would like to get it done. I feel like I am a
broken record but funding is always an obstacle, especially in this time of budget crunches.
Mike from Fredericksburg, VA asks:
Last week, Meet the Management was held at the Leeland Road station. The VRE staff were not set up
to meet passengers until just minutes before the arrival of the 300 (5:10 a.m.)so the majority of 300
passengers did not have the opportunity to actually meet any management. VRE did the same thing last
year at Leeland. Would it be possible next year for the VRE staff to be set up BEFORE the 300
passengers depart the station so that everyone has an opportunity to take advantage of the event?
VRE Management:
I'll talk to the staff about it to ensure they are setup thirty minutes before all Meet the Management
events.
al from warrenton, va asks:
Why the VRE needs a data base (including pictures) of minors for discount tickets, instead of recognizing
the DMV IDs? Are there some pedophiles on the Board (pardon my French, but since you consider me
as a potential cheater, thus I can consider you as a potential pervert..:)? In Warrenton alone there are
about 68 convicted sex offenders and child molesters, and VRE sites are not safer than Pentagon's, thus
vulnerable for hackers. Why invite them to an extra "bonus" site? DMV IDs are recognized in all 50
states, except by VRE... I have to choose to pay full price for my 12 years old daughter
VRE Management:
The requirement to have minors have an ID to purchase reduced fare tickets was to reduce fraud. The
process is pretty painless and we will help you through every step if you need it.
Mel from Burke, VA asks:
I realize that Amtrak has many years of experience that helped them to stop the train in the same place
every day, but when will the Keolis operated trains become consistent in where the stop at a given
station? There is great variation from day to day. Tuesday night, train 331 at Alexandria stopped almost a
full train car further down the platform than "usual" but almost every day 10 - 20 feet in variation, which
complicates the boaridng process.
VRE Management:
We have engineers in training and it might not be the same engineer every day. I’ll emphasize the
situation with all crews.
Steve from Burke, VA asks:
I travel between Burke Centre & Union Station. Do you know of any rail work that will impact the
Manassas line over the summer? Also, at what temperatures can we expect service to slow or be
delayed due to the possibility of warped or kinked rails. Finally, it seems as if ridership is down, are you
seeing lower ridership numbers. Do you believe the transit subsidy federal cut had diministed ridership?
VRE Management:
No significant planned rail work that will affect service at this time.
David from Manassas, VA asks:
You have these neat station monitors which display very little information. Why not have them display
date and time, along with the current expected arrival time of the next train? Weather, sports, news items
(especially ones dealing with VRE) and the like would also help the riders pass the time.
VRE Management:
We are adding the RailTime map to the monitors.
DJ from Fredericksburg VA asks:
Please remind the Brooke Station riders that, if a vehicle is "illegally" parked, it is because there are
insufficient number of parking spaces available for all riders. Those "self-appointed parking lot
supervisors" might want to take note of the construction of the additional parking as a hint that more
parking spaces are needed. Until that lot is completed, some of us will continue to park where we can
find space. Notes on windshields are not necessary. Thanks, Dale, and Happy Retirement!
VRE Management:
We are working on expanding the lot but please know if you park illegally you are subject to a real
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parking ticket from real police officers. And thanks, I’m looking forward to it.
Michele from Fredericksburg, VA asks:
Enjoy your retirement and thanks for all your work making VRE an enjoyable commuting alternative for
me for 18 yrs.
VRE Management:
I will enjoy it, Michele, and thanks. Coming to VRE everyday over the years and helping northern
Virginians commute has been pleasurable as well.
Kevin from Kingstowne asks:
1) Any plans for lengthening the platform at F-S Metro station so all cars can exit passengers onto the
platform? 2) While this may be your last forum, will someone be taking your place answering questions,
or will the forum fold? Good luck with whatever you have planned next!
VRE Management:
No plans to increase the size of the metro side Franconia/Springfield platform and yes the on-line forum
will go on.
Sandra from Manassas Park, VA asks:
I often notice a lot of people standing in the quiet car of the 330 north bound train. Is is possible to
expand the quient car another half car to accommodate these standing passengers ?
VRE Management:
No plans on expanding the Quiet Car. Same as the rest of service, first come, first served.
Richard from Fredericksburg, VA asks:
Can the "Life on A Train" announcements be redone to be less insulting? Being insulted by a snarky
announcer makes people less likely to comply in comparison to a sultry or pleasant female voice
(grounded in research).
VRE Management:
I hear what you are saying, Richard, but the fact that people are not courteous to those around them is
insulting as well.
Aaron from Manassas Park asks:
I appreciate the friendliness of the conductors. However, it seems that some of them get a little too
friendly. It's uncomfortable watching them with the female passengers. There's even one conductor on
Manassas 331 who passes out candy to his favorite ladies. I've seen conductors sit and have a chat
during the long stretch between Burke and Man Park. Meanwhile, station stops aren't being announced
and passengers at Backlick and Rolling have to run through the trains because they're never told which
cars will make the platforms. Can you ask them to be a little more diligent about their jobs?
VRE Management:
I'll have the Transportation Manager look into this.
Cathy from Bristow, VA asks:
I would like to commend the crew of train 329 for their performance last Friday. We were informed that a
tree was blocking the tracks near Manassas as a result of the strong storms. Admittedly not welcome
news anytime, much less on a Friday. In addition to providing regular updates, the crew walked the cars
asking if we were doing OK or not. Very considerate. Many thanks for making a stressful situation much
less so.
VRE Management:
I am glad the crew performed admirably during that long delay. I will be sure to send along yours (and
my) thanks.
Stacy from Broad Run station asks:
May I suggest a way to improve the flow of traffic out of the parking lot in the evenings? Make the exit
onto Observation road a left only (and have the county enforce it). This would help the flow of traffic from
the access road onto Piper and make it safer too.
VRE Management:
I will send your concerns along to VDOT.
SS from Manassas asks:
Just wanted to say thanks to the VRE employees who were able to remove the trees off the tracks so
quickly last week and to the conductors for keeping us all informed. Nice work!
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VRE Management:
I will send along your gratitude to the Norfolk Southern maintenance of way crews.
Ken from Manassas, VA asks:
Good Morning! I would like to suggest that VRE install a wide sidewalk (the length of the platform) to be
located in the grass area behind the station platform fence at LEnfant Plaza. During peak times the
platform is crowded with passengers and it is difficult to navigate around people. Many passengers utilize
the grassy area behind the platform as an "express" passageway to reach either end of the platform.
Thank you.
VRE Management:
We have heard that suggestion in the past and will look into it.
Bryon from Broadrun Virginia asks:
I am an 80% disabled Vet, working at the pentagon. When I get on the #327 Manassas Line train at
Crystal City the seats are normally ready full, including the Priority Seats reserved for the handicapped
and Sr Citizens. I do not look disabled; my problem is joint & nerve related. However, if I stand more than
15-30 minutes my leg goes numb. I have fallen when the train stopped after standing too long. Please
ask riders to keep the priority seats available for those who need them. It is embarrassing to have to ask
someone to get up so that I can sit down. I hate having to explain why a 52 years young man can’t stand
on the train.
VRE Management:
We are sure you are not the only passenger face these conditions and I would encourage to any
passenger to speak up to someone sitting in priority seating. If you are not comfortable with that, please
see a member of the crew.
John B. from Leeland asks:
As a 16 year rider, I would like to say thanks for providing great service and best wishes on you future
endeavors.
VRE Management:
Thanks for your best wishes. You have ridden VRE about as long as I have.
DEB from Spotsy asks:
Although I'm retired now my husband still rides. Enjoy your retirement! We will miss you! Thank you for
everything! :}
VRE Management:
Can’t wait to join you, Deb! I will miss all the riders, too.
Susan from Burke, VA asks:
What can be done about individuals who believe that they have reserved seats on the train? There is one
person who will board at L'Enfant and throw people out of what she refers to her as her seat because
she is disabled. Please note that this is not a designated handicapped seat. I have seen her forcibly
remove the elderly, a one-armed service-disabled veteran, and someone recovering from major back
surgery from "her seat". Thank you.
VRE Management:
Please inform the conductor. Seats cannot be reserved.
Manny from Haymarket asks:
Congrats on your retirement and enjoy it laughing at those of us that still have a long time before even
considering retiring. Now the nitty gritty, on some occasions I have been at the L'Enfant station (from
Brad Run)waiting to get off and the doors do not open on the car I ride, only to see the conductor smile at
those stuck behind the doors. (Most if not all conductors are very professional). Can something be done
to keep the conductors from "getting back" on riders they may dislike??
VRE Management:
Thanks! As for your issue, please send in an email to [email protected] with more specifics so we can
address it.
Moosh from Manassas asks:
Just a thank you for many years of providing safe and efficient transportation and for keeping lines of
communication between us, your customers, and your staff open. May your retirement be blessed with
many happy and adventurous times!
VRE Management:
It has been my pleasure to serve all of you! I can’t wait to see what life has in store for me next.
http://vre.org/chatterbox/
6/6/2012
Let's Talk!
Page 10 of 10
Teresa from Washington DC asks:
A bench was removed at the L’Enfant station several weeks ago. My question - when will this be
repaired/replaced?
VRE Management:
The bench was removed to reduce crowding on the platform and no plans to reinstall it.
VRE Management:
It's a little sad to think that this is my last on-line forum. Honestly, thanks for the good ride at VRE and
helping making this service so successful. We could not have done it without the riders themselves.
Hope to see you on the train during my retirement.
-Dale
http://vre.org/chatterbox/
6/6/2012